Author: Lester Holt

Health Officials Confront Deadly VirusThe World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 31 people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the latest Ebola outbreak continues to escalate. The cluster of infections, centered in Kasai Province, has risen to nearly 50 confirmed and probable cases. Officials have identified the Ebola Zaire strain as the cause of the outbreak, a variant known for its high fatality rate. Response Measures and Vaccination DriveTo curb the spread, DRC health authorities, working with WHO and international aid groups, have rolled out emergency vaccinations for frontline medical staff and close contacts of…

Health Risks on the RiseWildfire smoke is emerging as an increasingly serious public health concern in the United States. Fine particles in the smoke, known as PM2.5, can aggravate respiratory and heart conditions, placing children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical issues at higher risk. Experts warn that with wildfires becoming more frequent and intense, the health impacts are likely to grow. Smoke Spreading Beyond the WestHistorically, wildfire smoke has primarily affected western states like California, Oregon, and Washington. However, recent trends show smoke drifting farther east, impacting regions in the Midwest and Northeast. Climate change is identified as…

Testimony Raises Alarms Over Vaccine PolicyFormer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials told a Senate panel that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sought to interfere with long-standing scientific procedures. Susan Monarez, who briefly served as CDC director, testified that Kennedy pressured her to approve vaccine committee recommendations in advance and to dismiss career experts. When she refused, she was removed from her post after less than a month. Concerns Over Politicizing ScienceDebra Houry, the agency’s former chief medical officer, echoed those concerns, warning that Kennedy’s moves could undermine confidence in vaccines and public health guidance.…

Transforming Organic Waste Into a Climate ToolAt an international gathering of scientists and policy experts, biochar was spotlighted as a promising solution to rising greenhouse gas levels. Created by heating wood scraps, crop leftovers, or other biomass without much oxygen, it converts waste into a stable form of carbon. Instead of releasing emissions during decay or open burning, this process captures carbon that can remain locked in soil for centuries. Boosting Agriculture Through Soil EnrichmentSpeakers noted that biochar provides more than just climate benefits. Farmers who apply it to their fields often see soils that retain water more effectively and…

U.S. Officials Challenge European Green PoliciesTop advisers in the Trump administration have reportedly advised European leaders to temper their climate ambitions. Energy Secretary Chris Wright criticized Europe’s push for rapid decarbonization, warning that strict climate targets could harm economic growth. The administration is advocating for increased use of fossil fuels and is promoting higher U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to European markets. Reversal of Previous Climate CommitmentsPresident Trump, on his first day back in office, signed an order reactivating the United States’ exit from the Paris Agreement. In parallel, the administration has reduced support for international renewable energy projects…

Global Surge in Respiratory Infections Health authorities are reporting a notable increase in respiratory illnesses across multiple regions. Influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and COVID-19 variants are contributing to higher hospitalizations, particularly among children and the elderly. The rise in cases has put pressure on healthcare systems, prompting renewed emphasis on vaccination and preventive measures. Vaccination and Public Health Measures Public health officials are urging populations to get seasonal flu vaccines, stay up to date on COVID-19 boosters, and practice basic hygiene measures such as mask-wearing in crowded indoor spaces. Schools and workplaces are also being encouraged to implement strategies…

Outbreak Overview On September 4, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo declared its 16th Ebola outbreak, centered in the Bulape and Mweka health zones of Kasai Province. As of early September, there have been 63 suspected or confirmed cases and 16 deaths, including four healthcare workers. Vaccination Campaign Initiated In response, the World Health Organization has launched a vaccination campaign targeting frontline health workers and those who have been in contact with confirmed Ebola cases. An initial 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine have been delivered to Bulape, with an additional 45,000 doses approved for deployment. The strategy uses a…

Healthcare expenses in the United States are reaching new heights, placing significant financial strain on workers and families. For 2026, employer-sponsored insurance premiums are projected to increase by around 10%, marking the sharpest rise in more than a decade. At the same time, individuals enrolled in Affordable Care Act plans may see their premiums jump by more than 75% as temporary subsidies from the pandemic expire. How Insurers Drive Costs Major insurance providers, including UnitedHealth Group, Cigna, and CVS Health, are a key factor behind rising healthcare bills. By controlling pharmacy benefits and negotiating drug prices, insurers influence the overall…

Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking at an outdoor event during his nationwide “American Comeback Tour.” The tour, organized by the conservative group he co-founded, Turning Point USA, includes at least 15 stops across the United States. The first event drew about 3,000 people and began just after noon local time (18:10 GMT). A petition had called for the university hosting the talk to block Kirk from speaking, but the university allowed the event under its free speech policies. Moments after the shooting, video from a nearby building captured an individual running across the roof of the Losee Center,…

WASHINGTON, Sept 10 — America’s mortality rate has dropped to its lowest point in four years, with COVID-19 no longer listed among the ten primary causes of death, according to new federal statistics. Preliminary findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the age-adjusted death rate declined nearly 4% in 2024, reaching 722 deaths per 100,000 residents. The figure is the lowest recorded since the health crisis began in 2020, when overall mortality spiked dramatically. COVID-19, once a leading driver of fatalities, has fallen out of the top rankings for the first time. Its absence from the list…